The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
When it is about your cooling and heating system, routine maintenance is essential to avoid costly repairs or replacements that are not needed as soon as they should be. Most HVAC companies have a maintenance plan where you pay a monthly fee to have the system inspected and cleaned, or repaired as needed.
It’s also an excellent idea to carry out a few DIY maintenance tasks throughout the year. Cleaning or replacing air filters and keeping the area around the outdoor units free of clutter will help ensure proper airflow.
Clean the Condenser
The coils in your air conditioner condenser are the primary component of the cooling process. If they’re dirty your system will struggle to cool properly and could even fail. Cleaning them is an essential aspect of HVAC maintenance. It’s relatively simple to complete. This simple DIY task will save you money, avoid costly repairs, and increase the life of your air cooling.
It is vital to cut off the power source from your unit first. You can do this by shutting off the breaker on your electrical box, or the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will prevent your motors and other electrical components from being oversaturated when cleaning.
Once the power has been shut off, you can start taking down any large objects that could be blocking the condenser air. This includes cleaning up any sticks, leaves, or other debris that have been accumulating around or on the unit. A shop vacuum with a crevice tool is an excellent way to reach into the crevices, nooks and remove dust or dirt that has accumulated.
The coils need to be cleaned. Before doing this, though, make sure you have a few key tools. Included in this are a coil cleaning concentrate, a pump up garden sprayer, and the garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner in accordance to the directions on the label, then rinse it off using the water hose. When washing the coils, it is important not to apply excessive force since the fins can bend easily.
You should examine the coils for signs of damage after cleaning. Over time, hail and rocks dropped by lawnmowers or other items can damage coil fins. If the fins are bent, an affordable tool called a fin comb can straighten them for better air flow and also to help the coils function more effectively.
When the fins and coils are in good condition If you are satisfied with the condition of your fins and coils, return to your house and start your air conditioning. Make sure to check the thermostat after 24 hours to confirm that temperatures are normal.
Cleaning the Ductwork
Your HVAC system works by bringing air from outside, cooling it, and distributing it throughout your home. The air travels from the evaporator coil of the condenser unit to your home’s vents and registers through a network of ducts. These ducts can become clogged with dust and other pollutants if they are not cleaned and sealed correctly. This clogs the air filters and reduces the efficiency of the system and puts strain on your AC unit.
Cleaning the ductwork is a difficult task that requires expert equipment and methods. There are some things you can do to keep your ducts clean and working well. First, change your filter on a regular basis to keep dust and allergens from building into the ducts. This can also help prevent clogging, which can lead to a reduced system efficiency and a higher cost for energy.
Vacuuming the area surrounding the vent openings is another method to keep your ducts cleaner. The hose attachment of your vacuum cleaner will take away all the crumbs, cobwebs and other debris that have accumulated over time. This will increase the flow of air through the vent. It’s also important to ensure that your ducts are sealed and sealed with insulation to keep out moisture which can lead to mold and other biological contaminants.
If ducts are not cleaned regularly, they could accumulate a variety of contaminants such as dust, pet dander and pollen. These particles can cause allergies and respiratory issues especially in children and the elderly. Moisture can cause mold to develop in the ductwork, releasing spores that are harmful to those with respiratory problems.
It’s generally recommended that you have your ducts cleaned every three to five years in order to eliminate the toxins and ensure that your HVAC system is operating effectively. If your ducts are sealed well and you change your filter regularly It may not be necessary to clean them. You can be certain by having your ducts checked. An accredited contractor can use special testing methods to measure the amount of particulates within your ductwork, and will suggest appropriate cleaning schedules that are based on your specific situation.
Check the Compressor
The compressor is an essential element of the system. It must function correctly to supply cool air to the ducts. If the compressor isn’t working as it should, it can affect your productivity and result in equipment downtime. However, preventive maintenance can aid in identifying minor issues early and help avoid prolonged downtime. Regular checks can also save you money by keeping your equipment as efficient as possible.
A typical sign of a compressor issue is a reduction in cooling capacity, although this could be caused by various factors. A compressor could be working too hard due to inadequate airflow. This could cause the bearings to wear down and decrease the life of the compressor. A blocked air filter is a different problem. If the filter is clogged it can impede airflow to the compressor, which can cause overheating. To avoid this, it is important to clean or replace the filters frequently, according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
A blocked filter can cause rattling sounds in the compressor. This could be an indication that the bearings need to be changed. It is also a good idea to replace belts and pulleys regularly. A pulley or belt that is loose can cause the compressor to overheat and create other problems. It is also a good idea to drain the compressor on a regular basis. This will get rid of the moisture that could cause corrosion to the motor and other components. A professional service team can also check for air leaks in the hoses, and ensure an adequate seal between the compressor and pressure switch.
A puddle of water near the compressor can be an indication of a leak in the refrigerant. This could be a dangerous issue that needs to be addressed immediately. If you suspect there is a leak, shut off the compressor that is running and then contact an expert.
Check the Thermostat
The thermostat is like the boss of your entire HVAC system, and it’s not surprising that it’s the first thing a technician will look at when trouble arises. A well-maintained thermostat is vital to the smooth operation of your HVAC system. It’s among the most overlooked maintenance items. Common indicators that your thermostat is in need of periodic inspections include incorrect temperature readings, non-responsive controls, or constant cycling.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
Thermostat sensors may become dirty over time, which may cause the thermostat to display inaccurately. You can avoid these problems by regularly checking the accuracy of your thermostat with a separate thermometer.
A malfunctioning sensor, or a flawed calibration could cause your system to cycle on and off in a continuous manner. This is called short cycling. This can have a negative impact on your comfort and result in unnecessary wear and tears on the compressor. The problem can be fixed by simply replacing the thermostat’s batteries or resetting the breaker.
If your thermostat isn’t responding to your thermostat in any way It’s recommended to examine the breakers that control both the thermostat as well as your HVAC equipment. If the breaker has tripped, it will need to be reset in order for the thermostat to be able to communicate with the system.
Check your thermostat for signs of wear and tear. Find indications of dust or dirt, and make sure the thermostat isn’t exposed to sunlight. Examine the fan blades to find evidence of damage or rust. These simple checks will prevent costly repairs in the future and will ensure that your equipment operates as smoothly as it can.
Basic maintenance of hvac is a great strategy to save energy and maintain comfort in your commercial property. It also increases the lifespan of your cooling and heating equipment. You can ensure that your building stays at all times comfortable by identifying problems with your thermostat, setting your breaker and replacing your batteries. Make sure that should you encounter any other issues, or aren’t sure the issue, always call in an expert.
